Brenda Eckler
Associate Professor
JWU Faculty Since 2013
About Brenda
Associate Professor Brenda Kay Eckler joined JWU in the fall of 2013 as a full-time member of the Sports, Entertainment and Event Management Department. Prior to her tenure at JWU, Eckler served as an adjunct instructor for the State University of New York teaching the in the Hospitality and Business Departments based on her experience as entrepreneur of a professional Photography and Event company near Albany, NY. Her knowledge as an entrepreneur for nearly 20 years and her experience as a Corporate Accountant for 7 years allowed for an easy transition into teaching in higher education.
Eckler teaches undergraduate and graduate Event Management students and online courses in Business. She has been a member of Meeting Professional International (MPI) for over 20 years and a member of the International Festival and Events Association (IFEA) and the Protocol & Diplomacy International (PDI) Associations. Eckler earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential, the global events industry badge of excellence, through the Event Industry Council in 2019. Additionally, Eckler is The Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE®), American Hotel & Lodging Association and is a Certified ServSafe Alcohol® Instructor & Registered ServSafe Alcohol® Online Proctor. Eckler holds an MBA in Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from the University at Albany and is currently completing her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Her doctoral dissertation and research focus is on 21st century teaching and learning.
Education
- MBA- Management (Entrepreneurship/New Venture) – University at Albany
- BBA – Hospitality Management – Tourism – State University of New York at Delhi
- AAS – Accounting – State University of New York at Cobleskill
- DBA Candidate – Grand Canyon University
Teaching Interests
Project Based Learning
Scholarly Interests
21st Century Teaching and Learning
Entrepreneurship
Courses
- Event Leadership and Planning
- Event Operations and Risk Management
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Entrepreneurship
- Business Event Management
- Special Event Protocol
Extra Curricular Roles
Advisor-Meeting Professionals International Student Club
Tiefel Faculty Fellow
Sharkfest Entrepreneur Event Competition Planning Committee Member
DECA District and Regional Judge
{the} Bridal Society, Advisory Committee
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Treasurer – (former) Assistant Treasurer
Rotary International, Youth Committee Chairperson (Rotaract)
Professional Affiliations
Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA)
Protocol & Diplomacy International (PDI)
International Association Exhibits & Events (IAEE)
CERTIFICATIONS
- MCertified Meeting Professional (CMP), Events Industry Council (EIC)
- The Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE®), American Hotel & Lodging Association
- Certified ServSafe Alcohol® Instructors & Registered ServSafe Alcohol® Online Proctor, The National Restaurant Association
- Wedding Planning Certification, The Bridal Society
- COVID-19 Contact Tracing Certificate, Coursera, 2020eeting Professionals International (MPI)
- International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA)
- Protocol & Diplomacy International (PDI)
- International Association Exhibits & Events (IAEE)
Honors And Awards
- State University of New York, Presidential Medallion for Academic Excellence
- Rotary International, Rotarian of the Quarter